A BUS boss faced two hours of heavy criticism from unhappy residents.
Giles Fearnley, managing director at First UK bus, travelled to Burnham Town Council offices to face interrogation from a packed hall of angry bus users on Friday.
Organised by the Dengie Hundred Bus Users' Group, the meeting followed concerns about the performance of the 31x which was scaled back in 2010 leaving many regular users isolated, and gave people a chance to voice their concerns.
Alex Jennings, 81, who relies heavily on the service, said: "There have been times when there's no heating on the bus in minus temperatures, and my wife was injured when a driver pulled away too quicky.
"The 31x is often either late or doesn't show up at all. I've been asking for years for a digital system to be introduced so I came along to the meeting to hear what they had to say."
Mr Jennings was not alone with his concerns and the managing director faced some gruelling questioning.
Speaking after the event, Mr Fearnley said: "It was far from pleasant to hear two hours of criticism, mostly at the door of First, but it was hugely useful and I look forward to a return visit when we will be able to fill the time with positive feedback."
Mr Fearnley assured residents that training and preventative maintenance have been introduced to improve reliability, while new hybrid buses are to be introduced in Chelmsford, freeing up newer vehicles for the 31x route.
A fare revision from this month will also lead to a £1 reduction for a return from Burnham to Chelmsford.
Ursula Benjafield, vice-chairman of the DHBUG, said: "We feel that First are sincere in their wish to improve the punctuality and reliability of the 31x and the skills and attitude of all their drivers.
"It became clear at the meeting that some drivers are very good. Burnham is not on the way to anywhere and First did not need to make the effort to come if they did not wish to make improvements."
